Football fans in Denmark are banned from attending football matches due to restrictions over the new virus that has turned the world upsidedown. The news was devastating because sporting and cultural events are one of the pleasures that Danes, like many Europeans, have had to give up recently. Luckily, the top division club FC Midtjylland has come up with a creative solution inspired by classic drive-in theatres.
They had to think of a clever idea to ensure fans are as close as possible to the action- while also staying at a safe distance from each other, and that’s exactly what they plan do to.
Drive-In Theatre
In order for people to enjoy the experience of watching soccer while staying away from any possible contamination, the club decided to set up two big screens in their stadium park, with up to 2,000 parking spaces available. It will allow 10,000 fans to tune into the TV commentary through their car radio while parked in separate sections. The new arrangement could satisfy up to 60,000 people in total, which is nearly all of the inhabitants of the city of Herning where the club is based.
A Little Something for the Loyal Fans
Live footage of the car-park will be screened inside the Arena to enable players to feel the fans’ presence. Preben Rokkjaer, the club’s marketing director said, “We are working hard to create the best possible experience.”We have a stated goal of creating the best stadium experience. Coronavirus does not change that, it just provides some other preconditions.”
Resuming the Games in Empty Stadiums
Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced that the country will soon start lifting restrictions while still implementing social distancing rules. The expected matches, which would begin being played in empty stadiums, are planned to restart on the period of May 21 to May 31. Let’s hope this experience will give the fans a little something cheerful during these troubling times.